Rapid developments of new investigative techniques and diagnostic modalities such as CT and MRI have revolutionized modern diagnostic imaging. Dr. Sperber and her contributors expertly facilitate understanding of the fundamentals of pulmonary disorders and promote a realistic and appropriate use of the exciting new diagnostic modalities. Methodologies of choosing techniques are also discussed. The first section of the book reviews the applications of the various radiographic modalities. The second part is organized by disease - emphasizing the radiographic manifestations and indicating appropriate imaging techniques most useful for diagnosis.

Prior to the virtual atomic explosion of medical knowledge, at a time when communica tion was very much slower, a medical book, to be authoritative and believable, had to be written by a very knowledgable, and, per force, usually quite senior person. The choice of texts was limited and tended to be dominated by a few "classic" (a phrase not quite synonymous with dogma). Following the information explosion, the scenario is quite different. Not only is there a geometric progression in the quantity and speed of devel opment of new medical knowledge, but also this development is occurring at very dif ferent rates in different countries. This is particularly true in medical imaging. The result is that it is now virtually impossible to produce a "single author" book that can cover the field or even a subdivi sion of it. This absolute requirement for multiple authors has in turn created the need for a new type of editor/author who must be multinational in approach, have a uniquely informed appreciation of what is going on in medical imaging research throughout the entire world and possess the depth of personal knowledge and experience to judge cor rectly what work is the most rigorous and likely to have the greatest impact."

Bringing together pathologists, clinicians and diagnostic radiologists to produce a simplified analysis and a unification of the existing concepts in the diagnosis and treatment of diffuse lung diseases, this volume highlights pathological changes and presents the latest diagnostic modalities. Detailed therapeutic strategies are proposed based on epidemiological findings, radiographic manifestations, and the complex pathophysiological basis of each disorder. The result will appeal not only to the sophisticated practitioner but will also provide material that is sufficiently organised and didactic to be used by the young physician.